Saturday, February 28, 2009

GulfNews.comphoto:Shaikh Mohammad rides to victory in the Giants Endurance Challenge at Seih Assalam on Saturday to emerge as the overall champion of the three-leg series.By M. Satya Narayan, Senior ReporterPublished: February 28, 2009, 19:47

Dubai: It was a remarkable display of horsemanship by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai as he negotiated the dusty 'sohaili' winds, the rising temperature and a distance of 120-kms to win the third leg of the Giants Endurance Challenge and emerge overall champion.

Shaikh Mohammad, who rode 9-year-old chestnut gelding Tahhan, the same horse on which he won the second leg in Bahrain, finished a second ahead of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince riding Garaman Mikado.

With his second consecutive win for which Shaikh Mohammad earned 100 points each and with his 5th place finish in the first leg held in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba for which he got 50 points and a bonus of ten points for riding the same horse. This gave him an overall tally of 250 points, much ahead of Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, who finished sixth on Saturday to take his tally to 190 with Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs (who made an early exit on Saturday ) and Shaikh Hamdan finishing joint third with 150 points each.

After Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya had led in the first two stages of 32kms and 27kms on Saturday , Shaikh Mohammad on Tahhan led from the third loop and won convincingly though the dusty winds on the Seih Assalam desert routes made visibility poor while the rising temperatures also took its toll on many a participant.

Shaikh Mohammad and Tahhan completed the 120-km distance in 4 hours 52 minutes and 31 seconds with an average speed of 24.61 kmph.

His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Shaikh Hamad Bin Eissa Al Khalifa who gave away the Golden Sword and the Gold Kanjar to Shaikh Mohammad at the prize distribution said, "Shaikh Mohammad's win is a victory for all riders. He is very experienced and fully deserves to win."

"The UAE has always been supportive of endurance in other Gulf countries. The difference between the UAE and other countries in endurance is that the speed here is very high," Shaikh Hamad said.

Shaikh Mohammad said it was a tough ride and the conditions were challenging. "But our riders do have the experience to handle them. It was the 'Sohaili' winds today and the sand storm did make it difficult for the horses. My horse Tahhan was in good shape and was always in good condition through the ride. He has been training well and today he was good," Shaikh Mohammad said.

Shaikh Hamdan, who had finished third in Bahrain and earned 70 points for that, added another 80 points to his tally with his second place finish today. "The penultimate stage was very tough but my horse managed to stay fit and I am glad with this result," he said.

Points tally after the three rounds of the Giants Endurance Challenge (Body Weight) ide series:

Khaleej Times Onlinephoto: Sheikh Mohammed (right) and Sheikh Hamdan on their way to a 1-2 finish in the 120km Dubai Endurance Challenge on SaturdayM

Hisham Al Gizouli28 February 2009

SEI ASSALAM (Dubai) — His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, partnered eight-year-old Tahhan to glory in the final leg of the Giants Endurance Challenge at Seih Assalam Endurance City on Saturday.

The UAE riders swept the first five positions as Bahrain’s Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished sixth to walk away with the second place honours in the overall standing of the competition.

Shaikh Mohammed was crowned Champion of the Giants Endurance Challenge Grand Prix after having won the second leg in Bahrain and finishing fifth in the first race at Al Wathba International Endurance Village in December. The leading international horse owner, breeder and rider finished just ahead of his son Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, when the two riders crossed the finish line hand in hand with the UAE flag flying overhead.

“My horse has been well prepared for the race after receiving a perfect dose of training.

“The only problem was the sand storm and the dust which has adversely affected the overall speed of the race. But in all cases, it is an endurance race which tests the stamina of both the horse and its rider,” Shaikh Mohammed said.

The race was attended by His Majesty King Hamad bin Eisa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, and a number of Shaikhs and top officials and a large number of spectators who came to enjoy the race.

Bahrain’s King praised the hard work of Shaikh Mohammed who is behind all the success achieved by this fast growing sport. He also described Shaikh Mohammed in a brief TV interview as a man of vision and forward thinking.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum heaped praise on Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum for the manner in which he handled Garaman Micado, who is still new and needed to be ridden with care.

Competitors from different parts of the world took part in the competition with 41 riders skirting the sand hills under the early rays of the sun in the final leg of the Triple Crown contest.

The 120km CEI Giants Endurance Challenge was a tough test for the riders and their horses as well after the sandstorm which hit the country from early in the morning.

The pre-race weather forecast reading was clear vision with the temperature up to 38 degrees centigrade and the wind speed 28km/hr SSW in the early morning to increase to 28k/hr in the afternoon.

But the riders had to find their way through the dust as the vision was decreased to less than 20 metres in some areas. More than 10 riders were either eliminated or retired between the first two Vet Gates which underlines the difficult weather conditions that forced quarter of the field to quit in the early stages of the race.

Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, who was a front-runner for the title was eliminated between Gate 1 and 2. He told Dubai Racing Channel that he was unlucky and God be with the others.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum was also quoted by the TV commentator as saying Shaikh Mansour’s horse Eo Jaras was not in its best form. “The indications on the day before the race were not positive, but Shaikh Mansour decided to take the risk.”

Bahrain rider Shaikh Salman bin Saqr Al Khalifa was among the first batch of those eliminated in the opening phases of the gruelling race.

Gulf Daily NewsBAHRAIN Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa claimed second place overall in the 120-kilometre Endurance Horseride Grand Prix which concluded yesterday at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.

Riding Omsura Nasrohn, Shaikh Nasser completed yesterday's third and final leg of the series in sixth place among more than 40 riders.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, won the race with a time of four hours, 52 minutes and 31 seconds with an impressive average speed of 24.61 kms per hour to claim the overall title.

Shaikh Hamdan, son of Shaikh Mohammed, took second place in 4:52:32 which gave him an overall joint third position with compatriot Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Mubarak Al Beloushi (5:01:06) was third in yesterday's race, followed by UAE's Buti Al Mirri (5:02:00) and Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (5:04:50) in fourth and fifth places. Shaikh Nasser came in sixth in 5:09:38.

Victory

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, needed a victory in yesterday's race in order to clinch the overall title which was eventually won by Shaikh Mohammed who steered Tahhan to a fine win.

Dubai: Reigning world endurance champion Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton led a Spanish 1-2-3 in on Friday's 90-km Dubai Equestrian Club Endurance Challenge for Ladies staged at the Dubai International Endurance City.

Riding 13-year-old Antares Sauveterre, Maria led from start to finish in the 90-km event which was spread over four stages. Maria, who won the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia last year when the UAE riders clinched the team gold, cruised home comfortably and later drove away with a brand new car for her winning effort.

She completed the ride in three hours 17 minutes and 01 seconds with a ride average speed of 27.96 kmph.

A total of 77 riders took part in this first Ladies ride of the season being held here by the Dubai Equestrian Club.

While Maria was dominant in her victory her two Spanish compatriots Sonia Le Hecho and Silvia Valenti Vidal also had it easy winning the second and third places respectively.

The UAE's Reem Shaban Ibrahim Hasan, riding Hurst Kariba trained by champion rider Yousef Ahmad Al Belouhsi, finished fourth on her 10-year-old chestnut gelding. Reem was in 16th place after the first loop but after that she gradually moved up to 6th in the second stage and then 5th in the third stage before completing in fourth place.

Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club gave away the trophies and the key of a 4WD car to Maria Alvarez Ponton the winner.

"We had a lot of UAE lady riders in the fray and with some of the world's best international riders taking part it was a good experience for them," said Al Khamiri.full article

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Gulf Daily News BAHRAIN Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will be looking to clinch the title tomorrow when the third and deciding leg of the 120-kilometre Endurance Horseride Grand Prix is flagged off at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president is presently in second place with 140 points after two legs and behind UAE riders Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both are on 150 points each.

Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Ghazi Al Dossary are the other two Bahrainis to take part in tomorrow's race to be divided into five stages.

Shaikh Mohammed, the UAE vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, steered Tahhan to victory in the second round which was over 120 kms and staged at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

After coming fifth in the first round in Abu Dhabi where he won 50 points, Shaikh Mohammed gained 100 points for winning top spot in the second race.

Shaikh Mansoor bagged 80 points after finishing second in Abu Dhabi and claimed 60 points for coming fourth in the Bahrain event. He received an extra 10 points for riding the same horse in both races.

Shaikh Nasser claimed 60 points for coming fourth in the first race and 80 for an impressive second place in the second race.

Gained

The Breef chief is being followed by Shaikh Hamadan, son of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with 70 points gained from taking third place overall in the second race of the series.

Shaikh Hamdan was unable to win any points in the first race in Abu Dhabi where he had to pull out as his horse was exhausted.

In the first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix held two months ago, the UAE riders dominated the podium with Abdulla bin Hazim winning the race.

He was followed by UAE's Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in second place while compatriot Ahmed bin Harmash was third.

The top 10 riders in each race of the series are gaining points. He winner earns 100 points, while the second placed rider gets 80, third 70, fourth 60, and fifth 50 points. Riders classified sixth through 10th will also bag points.

Shaikh Nasser is expecting a stiff competition in the third and concluding Grand Prix.

The Breef chief said the Bahraini riders were confident and determined to win a spot on the podium.[More ...]

THE Al Shaqab Endurance Team will enter 16 riders in the Qatar Open International Cup at the Qatar Endurance Village in Mesaieed near Sealine tomorrow.Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, is headed by general supervisor Owaida al-Hajeri, manager and trainer Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani and Assistant Manager Jabr Nasser al-Ramzani.The competition will begin at 5:30 a.m. and will last approximately 12 hours, allowing the entrants to complete a 120 km course. Entrants from Qatar and the Gulf region will compete for the winning prize of QR 400,000.As one of the fastest growing international equestrian events, endurance racing consists of varied terrain through a course in the desert. There are mandatory check points where all horses must pass a veterinary inspection, including tests for heart rate, respiratory abilities and dehydration. A horse must pass the inspection to continue on to the next check point, including a final inspection at the end of the race to clock an official time. Any horse that does not pass a test in the check point, or is considered lame, is eliminated from the race.Riders competing on the Al Shaqab Endurance team for the Qatar Open International Cup are the following: Atta Mohammed Beer, Mohammed Tahous Saif al-Nuaimi, Khalid al-Malki, Hassan Tahous Saif al-Nuaimi, Faleh Nasser Saleh Bughenaim, Jassim Mohammed al-Maadhadi, Abdulrahmen al-Sulaiteen, Essa Ahmed Saif al-Mannai, Ali Yousuf al-Malki, Hadi Nasser Ramzani al- Naimi, Sophei Arnaud, Tomas Philippe, Hakeem Ali Khan, AbdullaTowaim al-Marri, Hamad Ali Rashid al-Marri and Naif Ibrahim.

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, will be part of a strong line-up of riders for tomorrow's (Saturday's) Endurance Giants Challenge.

Tomorrow's event is the third and final leg of the three-round challenge, the first of which was held in Abu Dhabi, the second in Bahrain.

Shaikh Mohammad, who won the second leg in Bahrain, earned 100 points for that win and is joint leader with Shaikh Mansour after the first two rounds.

Shaikh Mohammad had finished fifth in the first round for which he earned 50 points and now has a cumulative total of 150 points, the same as Shaikh Mansour.

Shaikh Mansour, who was second (80 points) in the first round, secured another 60 for his fourth place finish in Bahrain and also earned 10 bonus points for riding the same horse in the first two rounds.

Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser, who has tallied 140 points (60+80) is third. Abdullah Bin Huzaim of the UAE had won the opening round.

Tomorrow's ride will be held at the Dubai International Endurance City, which will also see a Ladies Ride being worked off today. The 90-km ride has attracted a sizable number of entries and the winner will receive a car while there is also cash prize on offer for those who finish at the top.

The Endurance Giants Challenge ride gets off to a mass start at 6.00 am tomorrow and all participating riders must weigh at least 75kgs without riding equipment. The points accumulated over the three rounds will decide the overall champion.

Qtel yesterday announced that it will be the ‘Gold Sponsor’ of the Qatar International Endurance Cup, organised by the Qatar Endurance Committee for Horse Racing.The Qatar International Endurance Cup is set to take place at the International Endurance Village in Sealine, Mesaieed on Saturday, and the six-hour race is set to attract racing enthusiasts from across the region.As one of the toughest challenges in Qatar racing, the Endurance Cup is set to feature a number of leading endurance riders.The partnership was announced at a special ceremony held at Qtel Headquarters in Doha, attended by representatives of the Qatar International Endurance Cup and Qtel. In its role as Gold Sponsor, Qtel will provide material and technological support for the event, including a range of communication facilities on-site that will enable organisers and visitors to keep in touch with the race’s progress.Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani, president of the Qatar Endurance Committee, said: “We are delighted that Qtel has agreed to become the Gold Sponsor for this year’s edition of the Qatar International Endurance Cup. The Cup has a very important place in the year’s racing calendar, and we are only able to provide such an exciting spectacle with the support of our local sponsors.”Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al-Thani, executive director, Group Human Resources, Qtel, said: “One of the major goals of our sponsorship programme is to ensure that we are providing support for every event that has an emotional importance for our customers. Horse racing – and endurance racing in particular – has a long-standing appeal for many Qatar nationals, and we are delighted to be associated with an event of this caliber.”Qtel is a long-term supporter of sport in Qatar and the region. It was a major sponsor of the Gulf Cup 2009, the Sony Ericsson Championships Doha, and the Qtel FIM Endurance World Championship.At a local level, the company is the Official Sponsor of the Al Murqab Sailing Team, the first private sailing team in Qatar. It also supports a range of local teams and keep fit activity. “Our sponsorship program blends seamlessly with our corporate social responsibility program, which looks to support the lives and interests of the people of Qatar. By supporting sport at all levels, we are not only ensuring that people can be entertained by sporting spectacles like the Qatar International Endurance Cup, we are also encouraging them to lead fit and active lives through sport, which can contribute to the health of the nation,” concluded Sheikh Saud.Other sponsors for this year’s Endurance Cup include Qatar Airways, UDC, Qatar Petroleum, and Doha Bank.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Khaleej TimesDUBAI - Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri rode Waseem Montasan to victory in the Shaikh Maktoum bin Hamdan Al Maktoum– FEI CEI 119km when 90 riders lined up for honours at Seih Assalam Endurance City on Saturday. Al Jahouri dominated the title for the second straight time for Al Wathab Stables. “It’s something great to win,” said Al Jahouri later. “My horse was picking up very nicely and was always surprising me,” he added.

“I have been preparing this horse for the President’s Cup but we did not send him for the race. He’s a new horse and thank God he did very well on debut. He’s still young and we expect a lot from him,” he added.

The winner covered the distance in four hours, 47 minutes and 37 seconds at an average speed of 24.82 km/hour in the final loop, approximately eight minutes clear of runner-up Abdullah Thani bin Huzaim astride Skyros de Peyrols. The winner has been always going well. He was perfectly poised in third place not far away from the early speed when the riders hit in the heart of the desert under the early rays of the sun. And began to make ground as the race progressed to settle in the heels of front runners by the end of loop three, before he hit the front and held on very strongly.

Indian rider Hestmat Ali, astride Deyar, showed the way in the early stages of the gruelling race as Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri – put his chestnut gelding on the heels of the early speed in third position. In the second loop, the winner dropped back to fourth but he was not far away. Then he fought back to lead by the end of loop four and crossed the finish line to emerge winner. All arrangements have been made at the state-of-the-art endurance facility to host the Giants Challenge to be held on Saturday.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Naomi Muller, a local endurance rider from the farm Elandskloof between Hermanus and Caledon, ended the 2008 season at the top of the ERASA (Endure Ride Association of South Africa) rankings for long distance endurance riders.

Naomi was also ranked third overall for short and long distance riders.

During the 2008 season, Naomi represented South Africa on two occasions.

In May 2008 she represented South Africa at the Tri Nations Championships in Hofmeyer in the Eastern Cape. The South African team won the competition and Naomi finished in third place. The Tri Nations Championships is a regional competition between South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

In November she represented South Africa at the 2008 World endurance championship in Teregganu, Malaysia.

A total of 150 riders from 36 countries participated in the event. The South African team finished 16th and Naomi finished in 17th place.

In total, Naomi has represented South Africa on six occasions, at two World championships, at the 2007 All Africa Games in Algeria and at three Tri Nations championships.

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and takes place worldwide. The winning horse is the first one to cross the finish line while stopping periodically (every 30km) to pass a veterinary check that deems the animal in good health and “fit to continue”.

Most endurance rides are either 80 or 160 km long, although shorter rides are organised for beginners and a few longer, usually multi-day, rides exist. Winning riders complete 160km rides in 9 to12 hours, depending on the terrain and weather conditions.

This FEI, (Fédération Equestre Internationale), accredited event will start the 7th of March at 4:00 pm at the Ingenio Magdalena, courtesy of Mister Jorge Leal and family. Ingenio Magdalena has been a key supporter and promotor of this important sport in Guatemala. This is the second year that Ingenio Magdalena has provided their gigantic installations to host this prestigious international event. The Sugar Mill Magdalena is located in La Gomera Escuintla, Guatemala.

Abu Dhabi: The Al Beloushi cousins of Yousuf Ahmad and Omair Hussain Abdullah scored a memorable 1-2 finish in the prestigious 160-km President's Cup endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here on Friday.

Yousuf partnered 160-km world record holder Charlandre El Sharif and his younger cousin Omair was on another champion endurance horse Silversprings Kabir Arwa and the two rode past the finish line hand-in-hand to reassert the supremacy of Al Reef Endurance Stables, owned by Shaikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Yousuf received a golden sword, a 4WD car and Dh250,000 for his win while Omair received a silver sword, a 4WD car and Dh200,000 for his effort. Four 4WD cars and Dh1.5 million was on offer in this 10th President's Cup, which was supported by the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Hydra Properties and Al Awani Enterprises.

Earlier in the morning 76 riders including 36 from all over the world started in the 160-km event which was run in six stages of 34kms, 32kms, 30kms, 24kms, 24kms and 16kms.

It was one of the strongest fields with last year's winner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the UAE challenge while reigning world champion Maria Alvarez Ponton headed the international line-up.

But it was Omair Hussain Al Beloushi on Silversprings Kabir Arwa, a winner of the 120-km ride here earlier in the season, who dominated the ride from the start in each of the five loops and perhaps it was a family obligation which saw him and Yousuf Ahmad cross the line together and the verdict going in favour of the elder cousin.

However, before the two were out on the final loop, it looked like a close contest as in between Omair and Yousuf (third), it was Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi with Nasser Al Marzouki in fourth place, just three minutes separating the top four.

However in the final 16-km loop, Yousuf Ahmad on Charlandre El Sharif, the horse that wrote the record books in a 160-km ride in Dubai, moved ahead and soon joined the leader Omair and after that it was Al Reef all the way.

Nasser Al Marzouki finished third on the great champion Kaysand Farazzah, two-time winner of the President's Cup (2008, 2006) and second in 2007! He also received the keys to a 4WD car and will also share in the Dh1.5 million prize money.

Ali Al Muhairi finished fourth on Sudan, the same horse with which he had won the National Day Cup and ensured the UAE's domination of this prestigious three-star ride.

Only Maria Alvarez Ponton, with a 8th place finish, figured in the top ten

Shaikh Hamdan made an exit with just the final 16kms left while two other President's Cup winners in the past, Shaikh Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed also failed to complete the ride.

ABU DHABI — Champion trainer Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi led a 1-2 in the prestigious 10th edition of the President’s Cup Endurance Ride at the Al Wathba International Endurance Village on Saturday. The Ride was run over the distance of 160 kms. The Ride had a total prize purse of Dh 1.5 million and four cars on offer.

Six stages were run which consisted of 34 kms, 32 kms, 30 kms, 24 kms, 24 kms and 16 kms. Yousef, who has trained nine winners in the season so far from the famed Al Reef Stables, finished ahead of cousin Omair Husain Al Baloushi, also from the Al Reef Stables. Yousef, astride Charlandre El Sharif, finished with a timing of six hours, 30 minutes and 53 seconds, just a second ahead of Omair. Omair, ridig Silversprings Kabir Arwa, had a time of six hours, 30 minutes and 54 seconds. Omair had led the Ride right through before Yousef made the charge in the closing stages.

Twenty riders were invited pack from around the world for the Ride which also included World Endurance champion Dubai-based Spaniard Maria Alvarez Ponton. The Ride was supported by the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France owned by Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs. Winner in 2007 Shaikh Khalid bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his elder brother Shaikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan also took part.

Naser Al Marzouki, astride Kaysand Farrazah, from the Al Aasa Stables, was third with a timing of six hours, 33 minutes and 54 seconds. Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, who had won the prestigious National Day Cup, astride Sudan, was looking to clinch a double but it was not to be. Ali, riding the same horse owned by Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was second in the fourth and fifth loop before he came in fourth with a time of six hours, 36 minutes and five seconds.

Riding for Al Matraqa Stable, the overall winner finished the 120-km race in six hours, 17 minutes and four seconds.

He was followed by Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team riders Shereen Fayez (6:38:25) on Outlaw, Mohammed Al Thawadi (6:39:53) and Abdulrahman Al Saad (6:40:00) in second, third and fourth places respectively.

More than 100 riders from Kuwait, Bahrain and other GCC countries competed in the championship which took place at Kabad desert located in the southwest of Kuwait as part of Kuwait's National Day celebrations.

The race, with a total prize money of $50,000, was divided into five stages -the first two stages of 30 kms, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 kms for the fifth.

The prize included $10,000 for the overall champion, $9,000 for second place and $8,000 for third.

Twelve Bahrainis took part in the event led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president and captain of Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser, however, was unable to complete the race as he was eliminated in the fourth stage. Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was also out of the race, falling out in the third stage.

The Kuwaitis took the top three positions in the first two stages. In the third stage, Shaikh Nasser moved up to second place behind Kuwait's Turki Al Ouni who came first and ahead of third Al Matraqa.

Lead

But Al Matraqa put up a good show in the fourth stage and moved to the top. He was followed by Al Saad in second place and Fayez third.

Al Matraqa maintained his lead in the fifth and final stage to secure a well-earned victory.

There was also an 80-km qualifier, a warm-up race for inexperienced riders.

It was won by Abdulaziz Al Anazi of Kuwait's Nawad Abu Shaiba Stable who finished ahead of two other Kuwaiti riders Thamer Ahmed of Thamer Ahmed Stable and Mamdooh Stable rider Mamdooh Muneef who were second and respectively.

The races were witnessed by Bahrain's Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa while Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi presented the trophies to the winners at a prize-giving ceremony.

Shaikh Nasser said he enjoyed the race and had fond memories of the same race in 2004 when they claimed top positions.

Shaikh Nasser added that this race was a useful experience for his team who are gearing up for the third and final round of the Endurance Horseride Grand Prix scheduled for February 28 in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi: Some of the world's top riders will be seen in action today at the Al Wathba International Endurance Village, battling for a slice of the Dh 1.5 million in cash and four cars, all part of the bonanza on offer for the 10th running of the President's Cup.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and winner of last year's President's Cup leads a strong line-up of UAE riders, while an invited pack of 20 riders from around the world and the Dubai-based reigning World Endurance champion from Spain, Maria Alvarez Ponton, will be looking to halt the UAE domination.

Today's ride will be run over the championship distance of 160 kms and Shaikh Hamdan, who won last year on Kaysand Farrazah, will be riding Wadhnan in a bid to defend his win.

Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 2007 winner, along with his elder brother Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will also be in the fray.

Other UAE riders who are expected to be making a strong bid for victory are Al Reef riders Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi and Omair Hussain Al Beloushi; Al Wathba Stables star campaigner, Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, and Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, who rides Sudan today hoping to add the President's Cup to his National Day Cup triumph earlier in the season.

Maria Alvarez Ponton, winner of the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia last year, partners EO Fawati, a horse on which she finished third here earlier this season, and should be there battling for top honours.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Talented Waihopai Valley endurance rider Kylie Avery continued her winning form by taking her second championship event for the season at Fairlie last weekend.

Riding Silands Mia Bella, Avery won the South Island Endurance Championship's CEI 2-star 120-kilometre ride by an impressive margin of two hours six minutes over the second-placed horse.

It was the first time the seven-year-old, part-Arabian mare, bred by Avery's mother, Barbara Avery, had attempted the distance.

She finished the demanding course in 7.41.06 hours looking fresh and keen, taking the award for the best-conditioned horse.

The win added to the CEI 1-star 100km North Island Championship Avery claimed aboard her New Zealand representative stallion Silands Jasark at Aria in January.

The final main event on the calendar is the New Zealand Endurance Nationals held in the Wairarapa at Easter where Avery plans to step the mare up to the CEI 3-star 160km event and her stallion to CEI 2-star 120km.

Four other Marlborough riders also attended the South Island endurance champs.

Kevin Prangley, riding his stallion, WD Amir Ibn Kaliph, was second in the CEI 1-star 100km and daughter Alice Prangley rode BTR Symphony to sixth in the CEIJY 1-star 100km.

Unfortunately Linda Harmon vetted out lame in the CEI 3-star 160km main event; Penelope Valk also went out lame in Avery's race.

The Marlborough club hosts its next competitive trail ride this weekend on the Godsiff's Wairau Valley property, The Haycocks.

The 10th Running of the His Highness the President of the UAE Endurance Cup FEI CEI*** 160 km will be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2009.

The race is sponsored by Hydra Properties, Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Al Wathba breeding stables of Normandy, France, and Al Awani General Enterprises Establishment, whose support for equestrian activities in general and endurance races in particular is an integrated partnership between the economic and sport sectors of the UAE. Gulf News article: President's Cup winners will ride away with Dh1.5m and carsAbu Dhabi: A whopping Dh1.5 million and four cars are up for grabs in the President's Cup 160-km endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba tomorrow.An amount of 1.5 million AED has been allocated as cash prizes and will be distributed to all riders who complete the race. In addition, four cars will be awarded as prizes to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, and for Best Conditioned Horse.

The ride will consist of 6 loops of 34, 32, 30, 24, 24, and 16 km, with holds of 30, 30, 30, 50, and 40 minutes, with 2 presentations to the vets at each hold. Minimum weight carried is 75 kg, and maximum pulse is 64 bmp, with recovery inspections during the 4th and 5th holds.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead a 12-member Bahrain Royal Endurance Team at the 120-km Kuwait Open Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday. The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president will be accompanied by Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, captain of Al Khaldiya Stables, besides 10 other members of Bahrain's finest riders who are expected to reach Kuwait today.

Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan had already arrived in Kuwait to arrange the accommodation and training venue for the team.

More than 100 riders from Kuwait, Bahrain and other GCC countries are taking part in the championship to be held at Kabad desert located in the southwest of Kuwait as part of Kuwait's National Day celebrations.

The race, which provides a total prize money of $50,000, will be divided into five stages, including 30km each for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

The prize includes $10,000 for the winner, $9,000 for second place and $8,000 for third.

The veterinary examination is set for tomorrow while Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi was named head of the ground jury committee. Other committee members are Abdulsamad Al Busta, Mohsin Al Battal of Kuwait besides Eyad, Nasser, Yaqoob Al Khalaf, Ali Faraj, Falah Fahad, Ali Ghuloom and Mohammed Dadulla.

Commenting on this participation, Shaikh Nasser said he is excited to take part in this event which brings his memory back to 2005 when they won top positions in a similar race which was also held in February.

Shaikh Nasser added that this race will be a useful experience for his team who are gearing up for the third and final round of the Endurance Horseride Grand Prix scheduled for February 28 in Dubai.

After two rounds, Shaikh Nasser is holding third place overall with 140 points, just 10 behind UAE riders Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan who are sharing the lead.

Shaikh Mohammed, the UAE vice-president, Prime Minister and the ruler of Dubai, steered Tahhan to win the second round race which was over 120km and staged at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

After coming fifth in the first round race held in Abu Dhabi where he won 50 points, Shaikh Mohammed gained 100 points for winning top spot in the second race.

For Shaikh Mansoor, he was given 80 points after finishing second in Abu Dhabi then 60 points for coming fourth in the Bahrain event, received an extra 10 points for riding the same horse in both races.

Shaikh Nasser took 60 points for coming fourth in the first race and 80 after finishing an impressive second in the second race.

The Breef chief is being followed by Shaikh Hamadan, son of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with 70 points gained from taking third place overall in the second race of the series.

Shaikh Hamdan was unable to win any points in the first race in Abu Dhabi where he had to pull out after his horse suffered from exhaustion. Full Article

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Recovery from the recent fires in the Australian state of Victoria is just beginning. The fires burned an estimated 850 square miles. According to the state's Department of Primary Industries, Victoria produces around 26% of Australia's agriculture and food from 3% of Australia's arable land.

According to a statement on the DPI Web site, livestock assessment teams will go into affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so. They will also asses other losses, and are working with the Victorian Farmers Federation to arrange for emergency feed.

Senior DPI veterinarian and Manager of Animal Health Field Services, Lloyd Klumpp said farmers have three major options:

* Destroy immediately--if the animal is down, unable to walk, has excessive burns, swelling of limbs, or difficulty breathing. * Keep and nurse--if the animal is mobile and alert or has burns to less than 10% of its body. These animals will need shade, water, feed, daily inspection, and veterinary advice and treatment. They will also need constant reassessment. * No apparent damage--Livestock will still need shade water and feed and they will also need to be reassessed.

To be held in conjunction with the North American Junior Young Rider Championships to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park July 22-26. We will be participating in Opening and Closing Ceremonies along with being invited to all the parties and festivities that go along with it. Lots to see - other disciplines etc - vendors.

I will have complete information up soon on our website at http://www.NAYRER.org - just finishing up on the qualifications for the event.

It will be open to all riders 16-21 years old (This includes riders from the beginning of the year they reach the age of 16 until the end of the year they reach the age of 21 per FEI General Regulations Article 124.1 - this includes riders born between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 1993.). In addition, riders who are 14-15 years old who have a letter from AERC stating that they are allowed to ride unsponsored in the senior division of AERC are also welcome to attend.

Gulf Daily NewsSAUDI Arabia's Latifa Al Shaikh of the Kingdom Stables won the women's race in the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Endurance Horseride Championship yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Clocking five hours, 22 minutes and six seconds, Latifa finished ahead of her main opponent Manal Fakhrawi (5:22:52) of Bahrain Royal Endurance Team.

Sherine Fayez (5:27:38), also of the Royal Endurance Team, finished third.

Top riders from Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman took part in this race which was the first women's event of the season.

Nine horses were disqualified - six in the first stage, two in the third and one in the fourth.

The race comprised of five stages, the first two stages of 30 kms each, 25 kms in the third, 20 kms in for fourth and 15 kms for the fifth and final stage.

The event, sponsored by Maalem, also featured a 160 kms senior race besides an additional 100 kms race.

The 100 kms race, which was open to men and women of various age-groups, consisted of four stages in total, including 30 kms each for the first and second, 25 kms for the third and 15 kms for the fourth and final stage.

Around 40 riders, representing 15 stables, were in the fray. Raed Mahmood of Al Murghairat Stable won this race in four hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds.

Fourth place was taken by Nooruddin Qadoori of the Royal Endurance Team, followed by Yousif Isa of Al Asayel Stable in fifth, Ibrahim Busheit of Alio Ghuloom and Hussain Al Mulla of Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi Srables in sixth and seventh positions respectively.

Twenty one horses were unable to compete the 100 kms race as seven horses were disqualified at each of the three stages.

The championship was held under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who honoured the winners of each race in presence of first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid congratulated the top riders and wished others success in future races. The Breef chief praised the standard of competition and thanked the entrants from Bahrain and other GCC countries for taking part in the event.

Also attending the event was actress Tuba Buyukustun of Turkey. She was the chief guest of the event and awarded trophies and other prizes.

Brooklyn Endurance Rider Sandra Fretelliere holds a narrow lead going in to day 3 of the 4 day Very Virtual DoItAgain Endurance Ride. Riding in Arizona, an escape from the unpredictable weather in Brooklyn, Ms Fretelliere has 2 days left to maintain her lead and complete the 2009 VV DoItAgain

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Dubai: Roshan Ali Siraj Khan turned hero for the hundreds of work riders based in many endurance stables here in the UAE when he won the 120km Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge endurance ride at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalam.

The 24-year-old, who is a work rider in the Hadaybit Assalam Stables owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, improved with each of the five stages to win from a strong field of riders.

Riding an 11-year-old grey gelding, Kalkadoon Vagabond that was trained by Hassan Bin Ali, Khan completed the 120km ride in four hours 28 minutes at an average speed of 24.72km per hour.

UAE national team riders and Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi and Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose finished second and third respectively on a day when the early morning cool weather turned sultry later in the day before changing to chilly conditions.

But Khan, whose previous best was a fifth place finish last year, finished the first stage of 32km in 28th position, was 11th after 63km and after the third loop and 90km, managed to move into sixth position. The Indian rider from the desert state of Rajasthan, which is also famous for the Marwari breed of horses, was third after the penultimate stage and went on to finish ahead of his better known rivals.

"My horse gave me the feeling that he would do well after the first stage. I have been riding ever since I came here there years ago but today's result was fantastic," said the winner who drew the loudest cheers while receiving the trophy and the keys to a four wheel drive vehicle.

Ali Muhairi, who finished second, said the changing weather affected his horse.

TOP riders from Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are in the fray for the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Endurance Horseride Championship, sponsored by Maalem, today at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Today's event features one race each for men and women. In the six-stage men's race, which is over 160km, 40 riders representing 15 stables have confirmed their participation.

Among the leading entrants are Hussain Al Nayem, Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Khalifa, and Ali Ashoor, all from Al Fateh Stable.

The women's race will be divided into five stages, including 30km each for the first and second, 25km for the third, 20km for fourth and 15km for the fifth.

An additional 100km open race, which is open to men and women of various age-groups, will see riders compete over four stages - 30km each for the first and second, 25km for the third and 15km for the fourth and final stage.

Attending the races will be Turkish actress Tuba Buyukustun who is the chief guest. The 26-year-old popular Turkish, known in the Arab region by Lamees, will award trophies and other prizes to the top riders.

The federation named its officials for both the veterinary and grounds jury committees. The veterinary committee is being headed by Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan and includes veterinarians from Poland, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, India and Bahrain.

Maximum weight allowed for participants in the 160km race is 75kg, which is also the limit for the women riders taking part in the 120km race.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

ABU DHABI - The President of the United Arab Emirates Cup endurance ride will be held on Saturday at the Bou Thib Endurance Village, Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi, a press release said.

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, in cooperation with the Emirates Heritage Club, Abu Dhabi, is organising The President Cup for Junior and Young Riders. Over 50 youngsters have already confirmed their participation for the CEN-JY, Two-star, 120-km ride, which will be run in five phases of 30 km, 30km, 24km, 20km and 16 km respectively. The ride will begin at 6.30am.

The day will also feature two Federation Qualifying rounds of 44km and 80km respectively which has attracted a field of over 90 riders. Qualifying riders are organised by the UAE Equestrian Federation every week to enable the riders to qualify to participate in longer-distance rides.

All the rides on Saturday will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Heritage Club.

The Emirates Heritage Club is closely involved in the development of several traditional and cultural activities and sports in the country, including endurance riding.The club also provides vital training facilities for children in the UAE. The opening of its modern and excellently planned endurance village has been welcomed by the equestrian fraternity as an important step in the development of endurance riding in the UAE.

Lexington, KY - The foundation behind the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games recently announced its newest sponsor: the University of Kentucky.

The sponsorship was the first one announced since Jamie Link became CEO of WEG 2010 Foundation. Link, who grew up in Cynthiana, previously worked for both the Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

"What a great day for WEG and UK," Link said, while signing the sponsorship agreement. Asked later about the first sponsorship signed during his watch, Link said, "It's very important to me, being a UK alumnus, and a great privilege."

Signing for UK was its president, Dr. Lee Todd, who said, "We feel we'll benefit as well as WEG because of the exposure and activities our students, faculty and staff will get to enjoy."

Todd characterized UK's opportunities for participation at the WEG as "internships and practical experience on a world stage." He explained that students, faculty, and staff from various departments and units would be involved, including arts and sciences, fine arts, design, and career services.

Students and faculty members from the French, Spanish and other foreign language departments will serve as translators for the many international visitors and competitors. The Office of Economic Development will be working on parking issues.

UK's College of Agriculture, appointed as the "Official Equine Initiative" of the 2010 Games, will be very involved with the event. Some of its students are already working in related internships. Agriculture faculty members have also begun working on WEG matters, including turf and water management at the Horse Park. In addition, about 12 miles of the endurance course (one of WEG's eight events) will be run on Maine Chance Farm, UK's equine research facility on Newtown Pike.

The department within the College of Agriculture most closely related to WEG is the Equine Initiative. Dr. Nancy Cox, associate dean for Research in the College of Agriculture, said that "the 2010 World Equestrian Games place a special focus on Kentucky as the Horse Capital of the World."

Cox said that UK's Equine Initiative and the selection of the Kentucky Horse Park as the site for the 2010 WEG were announced at roughly the same time. "Our goal is to provide an array of progress in teaching, in research, in service that is appropriate to the Equine Initiative. [WEG] couldn't be better for us."

Part of the Equine Initiative is the new program leading to a bachelor's degree in equine science and management. About 120 students are now enrolled, with half in their second year. Cox added that "students representing UK will be recruiting [future students] at the Games."

As part of the sponsorship agreement, UK HealthCare will be designated at the "Official Medical Provider" of the 2010 Games. UK will donate more than 7,000 hours in medical personnel time plus equipment to care for spectators, volunteers, staff members and competitors.

Dr. Michael Karpf, executive vice president for UK Healthcare, said, "We're very excited to do our part to make this partnership be a success." Noting that the WEG, plus Keeneland and UK football games, will mean as many as 120,000 to 130,000 extra people in Lexington on some of the event's 16 days, Karpf asserted that, "We'll be ready and will have [emergency medical] facilities on site at the Games. We hope we're not needed, but we'll be there."

A significant factor in UK's ability to provide superior emergency medical care will be its new hospital, which will be open when WEG begins. The new hospital's emergency room will be four times the size of the current hospital building's ER.

"We are the cornerstone for trauma [care] in this region," Karpf said. He predicted that the new hospital's ER will be "the finest ER in the country when it opens up."

The newest sponsorship grew out of UK's past involvement with the Horse Park. Dr. Patricia Howard of UK's School of Nursing and Thomas Harris, vice president for external affairs, have helped the Horse Park with planning medical care during past Rolex events.

Harris explained that as people in various departments at the university were offering ideas on how they could be involved with WEG, "people at the Kentucky Horse Park were asking us to formalize this process and help the Games."

He described the partnership as "such a fine opportunity to engage the community. We feel a responsibility to be involved, as the flagship university of the state."

Reflecting on the value of the sponsorship to UK, its president said that "this event gives us a world stage to expose Kentucky to future students and future faculty."

Todd noted how important horses are to the Kentucky's undiversified economy. He added that UK's WEG sponsorship "gives us a chance to show our commitment to the equine industry and an opportunity to show the world that Kentucky is the equine leader."

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

1000.1A No rider or horse owner, or person or persons acting on the direction or suggestion or supervision of the rider or Chef d'Equipe or FEI Endurance Official may try, or attempt to try or make or make attempt to try to comprehend or understand any or all, in whole or in part of the herein mentioned FEI Rules for Endurance, except as authorized by the FEI or an agent appointed by, or inspected by the FEI.

1000.1B If the rider or group of associated riders or Chef d’Equipe or FEI Endurance Official becomes aware of, or realizes, or detects, or discovers or finds that he, or she, or they, are or have been beginning to understand the FEI Rules for Endurance, they must immediately, within three (3) days notify, in writing, the FEI.

1000.1C Upon receipt of the above mentioned notice of impending comprehension, the FEI will immediately rewrite the FEI Rules for Endurance in such manner as to eliminate any further comprehension hazards.

1000.1D The FEI may, at their option, require the offending rider or Chef d'Equipe or FEI Endurance Official, to attend remedial instruction in FEI Endurance Rules until such time that the rider or Chef d'Equipe or FEI Official is too confused to be capable of understanding anything.

LEXINGTON, KY—Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital will provide veterinary services for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games test events, as announced today by the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. As the Official Equine Hospital and Veterinary Partner for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Rood and Riddle has extended its partnership with the Games to provide veterinary services for a series of test events beginning in 2009. The test events, each called The Kentucky Cup, will allow the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. to prepare for the world championships coming to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010.“Rood and Riddle is very pleased to provide the veterinary services for The Kentucky Cup test events,” said Dr. Tom Riddle. “Our entire staff of veterinarians looks forward with great excitement to serving the sport horse industry, both at the test events and the 2010 Games.”Lexington-based Rood & Riddle is a full-service equine hospital established in 1986 as a referral center for horses requiring specialized medical and surgical care. Today, Rood & Riddle is known and respected throughout the world for its innovative and highly skilled treatment of horses. The hospital facility offers a full range of services including surgery, internal medicine, advanced diagnostic imaging, a focused Podiatry Center and a specialized Reproductive Center. The practice also provides ambulatory services (on-site care) for breeding farms, sport horse facilities, horse shows and events, with a variety of services, including emergency and preventative care, general reproduction, lameness, radiography, podiatry, and internal medicine. “We are very fortunate to extend our partnership with Rood and Riddle through the test events for the 2010 Games, and to have the services of such a high-caliber equine hospital available to our equine athletes,” said Competition Director Kate Jackson.The competitions will begin in 2009 and run through the 2010 Rolex Three-Day Event. All events will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital will manage the veterinary needs for all test events. A complete schedule of all Kentucky Cup test events is available at www.feigames2010.org.The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Gulf Daily News BAHRAIN's best riders are gearing up for the season's first-ever Women's Endurance Horseride Championship, to be organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) on Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Among prominent riders taking part in the Maalem Holding-sponsored event are Manal Fakrawi and Sumaya Jassim, both from the Royal Endurance Team.

The two riders, who took podium finish in several races in previous seasons, said they are both ready for this race.

Both Manal and Sumaya highlighted the endless efforts of Breef president and Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa to improve the level of endurance races in Bahrain.

They also thanked Maalem Holding Company for its sponsorship of the women's race.

The race, which is over 120kms, will take place along with two other races - the 100km open race and the 160km seniors race.

The women's race will be divided into five stages, including 30km each for the first and second, 25km for the third, 20km for fourth and 15km for the fifth.

In the 100 open race, which is open to all riders of different ages men and women, will see riders compete over four stages - 30km each for the first and second, 25km for the third and 15km for the fourth and final stage.

The challenging 160km seniors race, the main event of the day, was divided into six stages, including 30km each for the first four stages, 25km for the fifth and 15 for the sixth.

Horses must attended veterinary examination on the previous day of the event between 3pm and 5.30pm.

Dibrugarh, Feb. 1: Maj. Bharat Singh Rathod of the Army Services Corps, Eastern Command, won the 60km and the 80km endurance ride in the individual category to bag a double crown in the four-day National Endurance Championships here today.

The meet was organised by the Equestrian Federation of Assam (EFA) and came to an end at the Ethelwold tea estate today.

In the 60km ride, Maj. Rathod riding his horse Badal, completed the ride in two hours 59 minutes and 22 seconds with an average speed of 20.07 km per hour.

In the 80km ride, he rode another steed — Tanishq — to complete the ride in four hours, 49 minutes and 54 seconds to complete the ride.

In the 60km ride, Maj. Rathod was followed by Sanjay Yadav of the Remount and Veterinary Corps astride his horse Monu and Jitender Singh of EFA astride Shamili.

In the 80km ride, Maj. Rathod was followed by Ramesh Kumar of RVC astride his horse Prince Top and Deep Chand of RVC astride New Star.

In the team 60km team event, the RVC-A team represented by Mukesh Kumar (He Man), Sanjay Yadav (Monu), Sanjay Singh (Herculesh) and Amit Yadav (Janbaj) bagged the first position.

In the 80km team event the top position went to RVC-B team, which was represented by Ramesh Kumar (Prince Top), Deep Chand (New Star), Sanjay Yadav (Vishal) and Rakesh Kumar (Monu).